Features

Man At Work: Erik Deutsch

Following long tenures as a founding member of fusion-jam act Fat Mama and as a full-time keyboardist in the Charlie Hunter Trio, Erik Deutsch has spent recent years wading into a slew of projects featuring a varied cast of talented performers like Norah Jones, Shooter Jennings, Alice Smith and Rosanne Cash.

Drifting between different musical roles on a regular basis, the Brooklyn resident has come to appreciate and thrive on the variety of gigs he plays. “I enjoy the diversity; it helps me stay on top of my game and keeps things interesting,” says Deutsch.

Considering his aggressive approach to the keyboards, Demonio Teclado —which translates to “demon keyboard”—is a fitting title for Deutsch’s recently released third solo album. The record was produced with analog gear, using an eight-track tape recorder and includes seven originals and covers of Neil Young’s “Don’t Let It Bring You Down” and Ike Turner’s “Getting Nasty.”

Deutsch will appear on two releases this year from country-rocker Shooter Jennings, an artist whom Deutsch has a long history with. “We went to elementary school in Nashville, Tenn. when we were kids, it’s been amazing to reconnect,” says the keyboardist.

He’s has also been performing with former Fat Mama drummer Joe Russo. (Fat Mama reunited last September as part of Brooklyn Bowl’s “Wetlands Class of ‘96 Family Reunion Party.”) Deutsch and Russo are also part of a quartet with guitarist Scott Metzger and bassists Hagar Ben-Ari and Andy Hess (depending on who’s available) who play shows sporadically in New York City, though they hope to expand the project’s reach in the coming months.

He’s also exicted about working with the “psychedelic jamband” Highspace featuring Jim Campilongo, Tony Mason and Jeff Hill. “We get together and get into our jam-space, which is really fun,” he says.

Despite his tendency to collaborate with a multitude of artists for short periods of time, Deutsch is quick to say “I’d be happy to,” when asked about committing to a permanent gig. “The life of a musician is great but it’s hard financially,” he admits. “If you have the opportunity to play something good, we all want that—we all appreciate that.”